Treatability Studies

Know what works before you build it.

Desktop, bench, pilot and field testing to show which treatment process will work for your water before you spend on full-scale design.

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5core deliverables

5step process

11focus areas & add-ons

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Overview

Treatability Studies in practice

A treatability study answers one question: will this process work on our water? We design the test around your source water and your goals, run it, and explain the results in plain language.

Studies can start at the desk, move to bench-scale jar and column tests, and extend to pilot or field demonstrations when the stakes justify it. You receive a written recommendation, the data behind it, and the main cost drivers to take into design. Our consultants have worked on PFAS, lead and copper, disinfection by-products and other drinking water contaminants, and we tailor each study to the system in front of us.

General information. Descriptions here are illustrative and not engineering, legal or regulatory advice. Work is provided only under a signed proposal or agreement, and results vary by system. Some content on this site is prepared with AI assistance. Read the full disclaimer.

Scientist pouring a water sample in a laboratory

What is included

Desktop and literature screening
Bench-scale jar and column tests
Pilot and field demonstration
Clear recommendations with the main cost drivers
Monitoring and evaluation after start-up

Our process

How it works

1
Problem identification
Find the source and extent of the water-quality problem and recommend the treatment options worth testing.
2
Laboratory testing
Evaluate how well each candidate technology treats your specific contaminants.
3
Pilot testing
Design and run pilot-scale tests that validate the chosen technology under real operating conditions.
4
Full-scale implementation
Support and guide deployment of the selected technology at your facility.
5
Monitoring and evaluation
Track performance to confirm the treatment meets your needs and regulatory requirements.

What we do

Types of treatability study

Each study is scoped to your water, your treatment train and the decision you need to make.

Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT)

Evaluate pH, alkalinity and corrosion inhibitor options to reduce lead and copper release.

Disinfection by-product (DBP) formation potential

Predict how source water, disinfectant and contact time drive THM and HAA formation.

Adsorption and ion exchange studies

Compare activated carbon, ion exchange and other media for PFAS and other dissolved contaminants.

Feasibility studies

Early screening of technologies, footprint, residuals and order-of-magnitude cost.

Also available

Consulting that goes with the study

Results are only useful when they feed a plan. We also help with:

Water quality management plans
Plans that fit regulatory requirements into daily operations.
Product and technology review
Independent assessment of vendor claims and fit for your system.
Sampling plans
What to sample, where, how often and with which methods.
Guidance documents
Operator-ready procedures and decision guides.
Lead remediation and management plans
Priorities, schedules and communication for lead reduction.
Community outreach and engagement
Plain-language materials for customers and boards.
Funding and resources
Pointers to grants, loans and programmes that can pay for the work.